Mikel Merino Explains Arsenal’s New Style and Why Arteta Needs a Bigger Squad

Mikel Merino has backed Arsenal’s evolving approach under Mikel Arteta, highlighting the importance of substitutes, squad depth and a winning mentality as the Gunners chase silverware across multiple competitions.

Arsenal are placing greater emphasis on keeping their players fresh, maintaining intensity until the final whistle and ensuring that every member of the matchday squad is ready to influence a game.

For Merino, who says he is happy to contribute regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench, the approach reflects a collective mentality that could prove crucial during a demanding season.

The Spain international has also stressed that Arsenal cannot afford to operate with a small squad if they want to compete consistently at the highest level.

Merino backs Arsenal’s new approach

Arteta has continued to refine the way Arsenal prepare for matches, with renewed attention reportedly being placed on fitness, recovery and the contribution of substitutes.

Merino believes the squad has embraced the changes, describing a team that looks fresh and capable of maintaining its intensity deep into matches.

He also acknowledged the work of the previous staff, making it clear that the new approach should not be interpreted as a dismissal of what came before.

Instead, his comments point towards an evolving process: Arsenal are adapting their methods while trying to preserve the standards that have helped them compete among the leading sides in English football.

The challenge is turning that preparation into consistent results, particularly when domestic and European fixtures begin to pile up.

Why Arsenal’s ‘finishers’ could make the difference

One of the key ideas behind Arsenal’s approach is the importance of what Arteta calls his “finishers” — players who enter a match from the bench with the responsibility of changing its direction or protecting the team’s advantage.

The concept puts the emphasis on impact rather than simply on who starts the game.

Substitutes may enter when opponents are tiring, spaces are opening up and the tactical situation has changed. They must quickly understand what the match requires, whether that means pressing aggressively, creating chances, defending a lead or providing fresh attacking energy.

Merino believes mentality is central to making those moments count.

He explained that players must read the game intelligently, considering the scoreline, the momentum and whether the team needs to attack or defend before deciding how best to contribute.

That ability to adapt can be especially valuable late in close matches, when fatigue begins to affect concentration and decision-making.

For Arsenal, the aim is to ensure that the players coming on are prepared to make an immediate difference rather than needing time to settle into the contest.

Merino shows why squad players matter

Merino’s own role illustrates the importance of having experienced professionals who are willing to contribute in different circumstances.

Despite his achievements with club and country, the midfielder says he is happy to play whatever role is required and intends to give everything whenever he steps onto the pitch.

That attitude can help a team manage the demands of a long campaign. Not every player can start every fixture, and selection decisions often depend on tactical requirements, fitness and the need to rotate.

A player who accepts those decisions while remaining ready to perform gives the manager more flexibility.

Merino’s versatility and experience can therefore be valuable beyond the minutes he plays. His approach also sends a message to younger teammates that squad membership comes with responsibility, whether a player is named in the starting eleven or introduced late in a game.

For Arsenal to sustain a serious challenge for trophies, that collective commitment could be just as important as individual star performances.

Why Arsenal cannot afford a small squad

With clubs competing across domestic and European competitions, squad depth has become a major part of modern football.

Injuries, suspensions, fixture congestion and the physical demands of high-intensity matches can quickly expose a lack of options. A team may have an excellent starting eleven but struggle to maintain its level if replacements cannot perform to a similar standard.

Merino believes Arsenal need both numbers and quality, arguing that a small squad is not realistic given the volume of matches.

The distinction matters: depth is not simply about having more players available. Managers need alternatives who can fit the system, handle pressure and maintain performance levels when regular starters are unavailable.

A deeper squad also allows Arteta to rotate without necessarily sacrificing the team’s tactical identity. That could be decisive during periods when Arsenal are required to move rapidly between league fixtures and European commitments.

However, managing a large group presents its own challenges. Players need clear roles, opportunities to contribute and an understanding of how they fit into the manager’s plans.

The goal is to build depth without losing cohesion or leaving too many players short of meaningful minutes.

Arsenal’s ambitions demand consistency

Arsenal’s ambitions extend beyond competing in a single competition. The club want to challenge for major honours, including the Premier League and Champions League, while remaining competitive in domestic cup competitions.

That makes consistency essential. Strong performances from the starting eleven are important, but a successful season may ultimately depend on the players who step in when others need rest or are unavailable.

Merino’s comments underline the idea that every member of the squad has a role in achieving those objectives.

The impact of substitutes can change the outcome of individual matches, while effective rotation can help preserve energy over an entire campaign. Together, those factors may determine whether a team remains competitive during the most demanding stages of the season.

Arsenal’s approach will ultimately be judged by results, but the focus on readiness, intensity and collective responsibility gives an insight into what Arteta wants from his players.

Merino is ready to play his part

For Merino, the message is simple: his responsibility is to be ready whenever the opportunity arrives.

He recognises the pressure associated with playing for a club with Arsenal’s expectations, but believes professionals must concentrate on what they can do to help the team rather than worry excessively about selection.

That mentality fits the wider emphasis on the squad working as a unit. Starters may attract the headlines, but the contribution of substitutes and rotational players can be just as significant over a long season.

Arsenal will need that commitment if they are to maintain their intensity and compete for trophies on multiple fronts.

Merino’s support for the approach suggests that the message is being embraced within the squad. The next test is to ensure that the strategy continues to deliver when the pressure rises.

For Arsenal, the ambition is clear: build a squad in which every player is ready to make a difference, from the opening whistle to the final moments of a match.

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